LCHC Policy Briefs

LCHC produces research and policy briefs related to our four core areas of focus and their impact on Latino health. LCHC has conducted research and produced research papers in conjunction with the University of California, Los Angeles and the federal Office of Minority Health.

Prescription medications are an essential part of health care delivery and have contributed to increasing the quality and life expectancy of patients through the treatment of diseases and conditions. Despite their importance in a health care regimen, many Californians – including the elderly, disabled and low-income – face challenges in accessing affordable medications. Latinos in particular are disproportionately affected by the lack of quality and affordable prescription drugs.

LCHC convened a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts on Latino health to consider California’s implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its potential impact on the health of Latinos. The proceedings of that meeting lead to the development of this document. We aim for Latino Policy Priorities to be used by advocates for health and equity to inform the Health Benefits Exchange Board and other decision-makers about implementation of the ACA in California.

This Healthcare Workforce Diversity Advisory Council Fact Sheet focuses on recommendations to address California’s health professional shortages, especially among underrepresented groups. Public input from hundreds of key stakeholders gathered through regional hearings guided the Council in identifying and prioritizing recommendations.

The underrepresentation of racial and ethnic groups in California’s health workforce is an acute problem. These communities are less likely to have an adequate supply of health providers, experience reduced access to health care, and have poorer health compared to communities populated by non-Latino Whites. Considerable research documents that underrepresented health professionals are more likely to serve in underserved communities and serve disadvantaged patients. Thus, diversifying California’s health workforce has profound implications for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes as well as addressing California’s health workforce shortages.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides the resources and each to improve health in Latino communities. In California, Latinos comprise the single largest group of persons newly eligible for coverage under the ACA; unfortunately undocumented immigrants remain ineligible. Significantly, beyond the notion of expanding health care coverage, a primary goal of the ACA is achieving health equity — the elimination of potentially avoidable differences or disparities between socially advantaged and disadvantaged groups.

Policy Priorities & Advocacy Areas

About LCHC

Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC)—the only statewide organization with a specific emphasis on Latino health—was founded in 1992 by health care providers, consumers and advocates to impact Latino health by focusing on policy development, providing enhanced information, and community involvement.